Maple Leafs Sign Veteran UFA Defenseman Nick Blankenburg
The Leafs likely only have room for one extra D (Stecher), but Blankenburg is an exciting camp invite.
— Willyston Riellander (@nylanderthews) September 12, 2026
He'll always have his detractors because he's 5′ 9″, 177 lbs, but he can complement a better partner quite well and he can push play in the right direction offensively. https://t.co/VWPWVDjpcb pic.twitter.com/CgHuTbxiFi
As noted by Willyston Riellander, Blankenburg doesn't have the build of a typical blueliner these days in the NHL, at 5'9", 177 pounds, but he's a reliable depth piece who moves the puck well. He can even chip in with some offense, coming off a career-high 24 points (8 goals, 16 assists) in 61 games during the 2025–26 season split between the Nashville Predators and the Colorado Avalanche.
Still only 28, Blankenburg was undrafted out of the University of Michigan, but he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets after his senior season and has put up some decent numbers when he's been given ice time in the NHL over the past five seasons.
In 176 career games, he has 58 points and has blocked 209 shots and handed out the same number of hits. He can win puck battles along the boards, and plays an aggressive game for his size.
He'll be given a chance to win a depth spot on the Leafs' blueline and will likely be competing against Troy Stecher for the 7th D-man role.